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Real Madrid and Barcelona meet for the third consecutive year in the Spanish Super Cup final, continuing their rivalry in the heart of Jeddah.
Real Madrid and Barcelona will clash once again on Sunday in the final of the Spanish Super Cup. Since the introduction of the tournament's new format, this marks the third straight final featuring the two Spanish giants, all of which have taken place in Saudi Arabia.
With the revamped structure allowing runner-up teams from La Liga or the Copa del Rey to participate, more El Clasico encounters have been guaranteed. This format enabled Barcelona to reach this year's final despite finishing as runners-up in the domestic competitions.
The ongoing tournament is in its sixth edition under the ‘Final Four’ format, and while some have criticized the distance from fans and challenges faced by families traveling to Saudi Arabia, the financial and promotional benefits are applauded by both clubs. Saudi Arabia remains a controversial host, given the country's human rights record, but it continues to draw significant attention and crowds for Spanish football.
The rivalry in Saudi Arabia began in 2023, when Barcelona secured a 3-1 victory over Real Madrid under Xavi’s guidance. That win provided a morale boost for Xavi’s project, eventually leading to their La Liga triumph later that season.
Real Madrid didn’t wait long to respond. In 2024, they exacted revenge with a dominant 4-1 win under Carlo Ancelotti, capping off a remarkable season with both the La Liga and Champions League titles.
Now, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the rivalry. With Barcelona holding 14 Super Cup titles and Real Madrid 13, Sunday’s final could either even the tally or extend the Catalans’ lead in the historical trophy count. The iconic King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah will once again host the spectacle at 8 PM local time.